Winning in the Most Demanding Rooms
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About the Leader
Kevin Lobo
Chair and CEO of Stryker
- Individualization®
- Learner®
- Achiever®
- Activator®
- Positivity®
Kevin Lobo has been CEO of Stryker since 2012 and chair of the board since 2014. Since joining the company in 2011 as group president of orthopaedics, he has overseen more than 60 acquisitions and advanced Stryker's innovation and global market presence. Lobo serves on the boards of Parker Hannifin and the Advanced Medical Technology Association and is a member of the Business Council. He also serves as chair of the Valley Health System's board of trustees in New Jersey. Before Stryker, Lobo held leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, including president of Ethicon Endo Surgery, president of J&J Medical Products Canada, and CFO roles in its consumer and women's health divisions. Earlier in his career, he held finance and management roles at Rhone-Poulenc, Kraft Canada, Unilever and KPMG. He is a chartered accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and an MBA from the University of Toronto.
"I adapt my style to the audience I’m around."
Rather than using one communication style with everyone, Lobo adjusts his style based on the behavior of the person he’s interacting with. “And I do that naturally, without even thinking,” he says.
"You better slow me down sometimes."
Lobo has the natural urge to start a large number of projects. However, knowing that too many simultaneous projects can cause chaos, he relies on his team to help him slow down and stay focused.
"I’m constantly curious."
Using his curiosity to help others, Lobo regularly asks leaders in his organization questions that sharpen their thinking and help them achieve their goals.
"Just accomplishing a lot of small tasks doesn’t mean you’ve had a great day."
As he’s matured in his Achiever strength, Lobo has learned that a to-do list full of minor items can lead to meaningless or ineffectual work. As CEO, his evaluation of his work is much more robust, now being based on who he’s spending time with and inspiring, setting the cultural tone, and handling complex matters.
"I always have this positive outlook on life."
Even in the darkest times, Lobo has confidence that something good can emerge. Positivity, he says, inspires people, and this strength plays a major role in his leadership.